The Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed optimism about Mozambique’s future as the country marks 50 years of independence, highlighting the bond between the two lusophone nations.
“Not just the 50 years already lived, but the next 50, 100 years. It is a future of hope, looking at this youth and thinking about what they desire, dream, economic hope, social hope, educational hope, cultural hope,” Marcelo stated in Maputo, where he is attending the jubilee independence celebrations.
Speaking to journalists before laying a wreath at the Heroes’ Square, Marcelo described it as “a great honor and a great joy” to be present in Maputo for ceremonies attended by 32 heads of state.
“All of Portugal is with Mozambique,” he concluded, while awaiting the main ceremony in Maputo, presided over by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo.
The central ceremonies will take place at the historic Machava Stadium in Mozambique’s capital, the site where the country’s first President, Samora Machel, declared independence on the early hours of June 25, 1975, following a struggle against Portuguese colonial rule that began on September 25, 1964.
In addition to the official presidential address, the ceremony will feature military parades, cultural performances, a message from citizens who are turning 50 (the same length of time as independence), and a speech by the leader of Podemos, as the main opposition party.
At least 40,000 people are expected at Machava Stadium, which officially holds 45,000 people, in an event marked by the arrival of the unity flame, having traveled across the country since April 7. This flame will be used by the head of state to light the stadium’s cauldron.
